Second brain? Your gut!
Your gut (which is scientifically known as the gastrointestinal system) is made up of the stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, small intestine, colon, and rectum. And, believe it or not, it is known as “the second brain” in the scientific space. That is because the gut is the only organ that has its own nervous system, independent from the rest of the body’s nervous system.
In the walls of the gut, there is a system of 10 million neurons embedded in the flesh that transmit all the necessary information to the nerve and gland cells, as well as to the muscles in the body. What makes it so fascinating is that this “second brain” is so complex and efficient that it would keep functioning even if the neural connection to the brain was cut, it would still coordinate everything and have the gastrointestinal system working.
Nothing grows as fast as skin!
The skin is one of the fastest regenerating organs of the human body! Over a whole day, you lose about 5 billion skin cells, which constantly regenerate. This means the skin is permanently shedding itself and regrowing, making it the fastest-growing organ we have. And while it does add up to the amount of house dust, it’s also beneficial.
Not only do they take off the excess of skin oils with them as they die and fall off, but they are also helpful in decreasing the air pollution in your house. Studies have shown that they can decrease the level of ozone in your house, which can irritate your throat, eyes, nose and exacerbate asthma symptoms. So before you feel grossed out by the amount of skin shedding, you should thank your skin cells for keeping your skin and environment healthier.
Bad mood? Might be the bacteria in your gut!
Speaking of our friend, the second brain, besides the fact that it is a nervous system in itself, it can actually influence your mood. Not the gut itself, but the bacteria that can be found all over the gastrointestinal system. It houses millions of bacteria and studies have shown that they have a direct impact on brain chemistry, neural development, emotional behaviors, stress, and pain perception.
With it influencing so many things it should not surprise us that it is also influencing our mood! Since the bacteria in your gut produces 95% of the serotonin in your body it is even less surprising. Serotonin helps us reduce feelings of depression, anxiety, maintains our bone health, and aids the processes of sleeping, eating, and digestion. Your gut may even be more important than you’ve ever thought!
Discover more about how weird our bodies are by reading about these medical conditions that just sound fake, but are actually real!
